What to Do When the Catalytic Converter is Damaged?

[DanielaDella]

The catalytic converter should be replaced immediately if it is damaged. Below is an introduction to the catalytic converter: 1. Function: The catalytic converter is a component in the car's exhaust pipe that helps purify exhaust gases. Without it, harmful substances in the car's exhaust would exceed acceptable levels. The exhaust pipe consists of three parts: the header, mid-pipe, and tailpipe. 2. Mechanism: The catalytic converter, along with the oxygen sensor, transforms harmful gases like CO, HC, and NOx in the exhaust into harmless carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen through oxidation and reduction. 3. Data Provision: If the catalytic converter is damaged, the secondary oxygen sensor cannot correctly provide data to the engine control unit, leading to either too lean or too rich fuel mixture. A lean mixture can cause ignition difficulties, weak acceleration, and engine backfire, while a rich mixture increases fuel consumption, incomplete combustion, and severe carbon buildup in cylinders and spark plugs. In such cases, the engine warning light should illuminate.